Governance of Natural Resources in São Tomé and Príncipe

This case study, commissioned by International Alert, examines the governance of natural
resources in São Tomé and Príncipe by focusing on the management, oversight and
transparency mechanisms or structures set up to monitor oil revenues since 2007. The study
explores the activities, challenges and social communication strategies of these oil-related
bodies from 2007 through 2009, identifying problems areas and analysing if and how these
problems are linked to larger social dynamics, and how they could be exacerbated by the
influx of oil wealth. The study provides some insights on risks of conflict and what can be
done to mitigate them in ways that foster social cohesion.